Dr. Whalen is amazing! She is a great teacher and really knows her organic chemistry. There are lots of review sessions and office hours and she is always willing to help students. O chem is never easy, but Dr. Whalen does a great job of making it do-able and even a little fun.

i don't think anyone expects this class to be easy, so whoever was so bitter about failing should just quit whining. this is a really hard class but she makes it better than i was expecting. she had lots and lots of help time and if you try you can do well and not get lost. dr whalen is a great teacher if you are willing to show up!

Dr. Whalen's very approachable if you have questions, plus there are office hours every day of the week. The review sessions are helpful. It's true the tests are not easy, you really have to know the material, literally backwards and forwards, but if you take the time to do it, you can do well in this class.

She is so helpful, nice, great teacher and although her test may seem hard, they really just test you on all the material that was taught during lecture and test questions are very similar to those seen at review sessions.

she teaches the class so well that you don't need the book, and her reviews are so helpful for the tests. And very easy to talk to.

I LOVE Dr. Whalen! I took her for both Ochem 1 and 2. The tests were hard but she always held review sessions and was extremely accessible. I dont think some of her students realize just how helpful she can be. I know several people that actually changed their majors to chemistry after taking her class. Plus, she is Hil-ar-ious! Highly recommended!

Whalen makes a difficult subject like organic chemistry understandable and interesting. I highly recommend taking her class!

Organic Chemistry 1 is an incredibly difficult class, especially at UNM. It has an extremely high failure rate. Dr. Whalen is an amazing teacher though. With her help and teaching I was able to pass the class. She has high expectations but he teaching very clear and she gives every student the opportunity to succeed if they put the work in to do so

She is easily the best organic professor I know.

Dr. Whalen is a great professor. She really cares about helping her students succeed in a difficult class. She explains concepts clearly and is always open to answering questions. The book was not important, but you must go to class if you want to do well! I would recommend her to anyone taking o-chem!

Dr. Whalen was AWESOME!!! She tells you everything you need to know and is willing to help if something is unclear. She's also funny and takes a serious interest in her students. Attendance is mandatory and the book was no help.

One of the best professors I have ever had! Ochem is a tough subject, but she makes it accessible. Go to her test reviews- they help so much! She definately takes personal interest in her students, and she is very knowledgeable.

Absolutely Fantastic Professor, she makes Ochem easier to understand and is very helpful with questions, wonderful personality and teaching style. If you have to take ochem or want to take it with Whalen for ochem 1 & 2 you will not be disappointed and you will learn so much and have a greater respect for organic chemistry

Lisa Whalen is the best. She puts so much more into her classes than any other professor. She is nice, funny and sooo accessible if you need help. Thanks so much Dr Whalen!

Dr Whalen is one of the very best teachers I've ever had. She makes a point to know all over her students...by name and she teaches in a lecture hall. I highly recommend her

This teacher is the most helpful teacher i've ever had. She really makes her self available for reviews and questions we may have had.

This class was way to freakin hard. not making that mistake again.

She is a great professor and wonderful person! I will for always remember her class. She is very clear and wants her students to pass. The material was very difficult for me, but was more than willing to help. She is funny and easy to talk to. She has lots of office hours and is accommodating for students with disabilities

Great lecturer that actually cares about her students. Clear exams & gives great reviews. I broke my arm the morning before the 3rd exam, she found out through my mentor & told me I didn't have to take it. She has eyes like a hawk, catches people texting all the time!

Dr. Whalen is a great professor! The material is definitely difficult, but Dr. Whalen makes it as clear as possible. Her reviews are extraordinarily helpful and she always makes it clear what is expected from you. The class is very hard, but I would highly recommend her if you have to take it.

Dr. Whalen is possibly the best professor that I have ever had. Not only is her instruction crystal clear and organized, but her hand writing is awesome! You can tell that she truly cares about her students because she has 3 review sessions per exam. I would recommend going to them if you want to pass!

She was AMAZING! Had her for OCHEM1&2 and she was fabulous. She made Ochem so clear and she truly prepared you for her tests and she ensured you understood the material. She used handouts and lots of practice IN CLASS so that we really understood and learned. She also did >4 hours of review before each test and is super nice in person!!

Awesome professor

Dr. Whalen is the bees knees. She is difficult but manageable. Studying is a must, so put forth the effort and reap the rewards. She cares about her students and offers plenty of supplemental media to help succeed. No text book is required, so that will alone save you $300.

Dr. Whalen was a great professor who cared to learn each name of her 200 students. She was thorough in the information we needed to know for the exams, and taught in a very clear way that was easy to understand. She took the time to host exam reviews in the evenings in addition to office hours.

Dr. Whalen is extremely nice. She clearly cares very much about her students and hosts at least two 2 hour review sessions for each exam. Her exams are reasonable, and there are pretty much no surprises. Probably the best organic chemistry teacher at UNM.

Very good teacher. Tests are tricky and she expects a lot from her students

Although Organic Chemistry is a very difficult subject, Dr. Whalen makes her expectations for learning known. She has suggestions on problems to do prior to class which are very helpful. Her exams are identical in content to her practice exams. She is very approachable and easy to communicate with both through email and office hours.

Dr.Whalen is an amazing teacher! She takes the time to help you understand the material. She is very friendly and nice. Her review sessions are also very helpful. They cover EVERYTHING that is going to be on the exam. If you attend the review sessions you will do great on her exams! Her review also helped a ton for the final exam.

Dr. Whalen is one of the most profound professors at UNM. She is tough, yet fair. She is amiable and genuine. If you have any questions about Ochem or the lab, feel free to contact her, she is very approachable. Overall one of the best classes I have taken at UNM!

I adore Professor Whalen. She is clear and concise during her lectures, but always takes the time to clarify whatever you're having trouble on. She holds two review sessions before each test to help solidify the concepts you learn in class. That's not to say her class isn't challenging, but as long as you put in the work you'll do fine.

Dr Whalen is by far the best professor I have had at UNM. She really wants all her students to succeed. She will put in the time to help anyone who needs it. I would strongly recommend her to any one taking the O-Chem series and any other classes she may be teaching!

Dr. Whalen is very comedic. Amazing teacher who enjoys testing a student past the limits. Take her for the Ochem series.

Dr Whalen's class was really hard but I feel like I learned an incredible amount. I still came out with a B, but she was very helpful and kind and genuinely wanted to see her students succeed. She's probably the best professor I've had.

Dr. Whalen taught like a beef stuffed nacho. The lessons were very clear. They made me want to should "cologahog!!" Job well done, Dr. Whalen!!

I took Dr. Whalen for ochem 1 and 2 and then for this Organic Chemistry of Biological pathways. Seriously, the best course I've taken. She is incredibly smart but realistic about how these things are not clear cut. I learned more biochem from this class than from my biochem class. The best!

Awesome Professor! Her style really teaches you in the long run

Very helpful and available. Lectures fly by. I would strongly recommend this professor for O Chem. It's a hard subject, but it's a lot better with Dr. Whalen.

Organic chemistry is a tough subject, but Dr. Whalen's fast-paced, interesting, and engaging teaching style made this class a breeze. The practice tests and review sessions she gives tell you EXACTLY what will be on the exams. Anyone can get an A in this class as long as they put in the work.

Organic Chemistry for science is like the Calculus for math - it's tough. But Dr. Whalen does a phenomenal job of making it as easy as possible. Attend every class, take good notes, pay attention, ask for help when you need it. If you work hard, you'll get a grade you're happy with.

Dr. Whalen is a wonderful ochem teacher. I would take her again, and I recommend her class to anyone. She is always willing to help you understand the material. I may have used my book once or twice in the semester. In myopinion, you don't need the book if you go to class every day because you learn everything you need to know in class.

hands down one of the best instructors I've ever had. Dr. Whalen made Ochem 2 a lot easier than most people make it seem. I didn't have to read the book very often because Dr. Whalen's lectures are incredible.

I admire Dr. Whalen for being an incredibly smart, clear, and concise instructor. Her lectures are go by quick, packed with so much material, and her expectations are high. But she helps you by providing worksheets, group work, and exam reviews. I received an A, but I worked hard for it! Information sticks in your head, which is good for MCAT!

I went to every class and studied, thus it was easy. If you put in the effort, both in class and outside of class, you will get the grade you deserve.

Clear, concise, to-the point. Can have it's good and bad sides. The material is made easy to understand. Tests are basically studying lecture notes and recognizing patterns from practice exams. Textbook doesn't help, but reading quizzes assigned before class starts. She can help if you ask. She is unapproachable and can be rude.

Organic chemistry with Whalen is tough, but she does everything she can to help you succeed in her class. She offers practice tests, review session, and good office hours to prep you for exams. She is extremely helpful & very entertaining during lectures. Would recommend. 10/10

Dr. Whalen was the best professor that I have had at UNM. It is a hard class but she truly wants you to do well! Take this class and you will not regret it!

Dr. Whalen is one of the profs responsible for writing up the lab manual for 303L and 304L. The manual is great. It is crystal clear on what it wants from you for every experiment. Organic chem lab is not hard. Just follow the manual and you will get an A. As usual, labs are run by TA's that don't speak the best English. Oh well.

Whalen is a strong, and engaging lecturer who gives you many opportunities to be successful in a difficult class. She holds 2 reviews for each exam, and a week before each exam, she dedicates class time to giving practice questions. Lots of resources online. Definitely need to put in the work to be successful, but she makes it possible.

Dr. Whalen is the best chemistry professor I have ever had. Her class is tough but if you put in the work and go to classes and review sessions I guarantee you will pass. She teaches the way I love where she works through the problems with you, rather than just going through powerpoint slides. Excellent professor.

Strong teacher. She explains the material in a way that makes sense. Highly recommend. She has review sessions before exams and does her best to make sure her students are successful.

The best instructor that i have ever had. She teaches the material so well i did not need to look at the textbook. No homework is given, optional problems are given to help you with understanding. Her practice tests will help you prepare for the tests and are very close to what you will be getting for your tests, study very hard for the tests.

Dr. Whalen is a great professor! Ochem is a hard subject but she teaches it in a way that you to understand it. She makes time for her students and has a lot of resources that help you pass her class. She has review sessions and handouts for you to do for practice to prepare for her tests. She is super nice and understanding. Optional final!

Dr. Whalen does a truly excellent job of teaching a challenging subject. The course is well organized and her lectures are clear. The exams are difficult but fair. She gives you all the tools you need to succeed and truly learn organic chemistry. Bit of an itimidating and formidible person, but I have never encountered such a talented professor

Dr. Whalen is one of the best professors I have had. Lectures are engaging and extremely clear. Makes it easy to understand ochem! Exams can be difficult and need preparation, but she does review sessions and posts practice exams and problems to do. Can be intimidating to approach (and can be quite blunt), but she is actually very kind and funny!

Extremely hard class but she is a great lecturer. She explains very well and keeps it engaging. No required homework. Very harsh grader and not sympathetic or willing to work with students. No regrades. Kinda mean/rude. But she does provide 2 review sessions in evenings for each test and other helpful materials to learn like practice exams.

Dr. Whalen is super caring and not rude in any way. She is so extremely approachable. I once approached Dr. Whalen and asked her what she had for dinner the night before to which she replied, "mashed potatoes." I looked at her in awe and said to her "Mashed potatoes? You had that yesterday!"

Ochem is a hard subject but her course structure and lectures make it very digestible. The four exams are really the only thing in the grade book, one of which is dropped. Her lectures really breakdown the bones of what you'll need to solve problems.

Her lectures are organized and straight forward. She's realistic with the amount of work needed for her class which makes students think she is rude. She is not rude and very approachable if you have questions and aren't wasting her time. Her teaching method is simple and easy to understand. Her test reviews are similar to her exams. Go to them!

Orgo is full of a bunch of wanna-be pre-meds (say what you want, but it's true), and it is Dr. Whalen's job to weed them out, COVID or no COVID. So naturally, she is gonna be tough on you. That being said, Dr. Whalen is a GENIUS. She's quirky, funny, and makes you love chemistry. Her teaching is phenomenal. SHOW UP FOR EXAM REVIEWS, OR YOU'LL FAIL

Whalen is the best ochem prof at UNM by far. Really breaks complicated topics into the meat and potatoes of what you need. Only graded by the exams, one of which is dropped, and she gives tons of test prep. Plus she is just a sweet lady all around.

I never once opened the Ochem textbook but I got an A and I learned a lot! During class, she gives practice problems and works through them with us. These problems resemble the questions on the exams. You have been taught everything you're going to be tested. The class is very straightforward. The class is extremely organized and well structured.

Whalen is very antisocial, but she is a great professor. She has very strict policies and won't really work with you to make exceptions. Her lectures are fantastic and you will learn a lot. Grades are pretty much just based on the tests which are really difficult. We use lockdown browser; the tests are hard to finish. Good but very difficult class.

Dr. Whalen is tough on her students but it is worth it. Learning organic chemistry is no joke, but her teaching style makes it fun and doable. She is an amazing lecturer and really helps you understand. Also has an amazing class structure.

Our grades consisted of 4 exams and an optional cumulative final exam that would replace the score of one of the first 3 exams. We also had 50 points in group work, used to track attendance. She teaches well and gives a ton of resources, like multiple optional 2hr review sessions for exams! I would definitely take her class again.

O Chem is a hard class, but she does what she can to make sure it is manageable. She always lets you know both how to access help from her and other resources. If you get a bad grade in her class, it is because either you didn't attend review sessions, lectures, or take up her many opportunities for help. She is strict but still very kind.

If you want to learn organic chemistry, take it with Dr. Whalen. She is wonderful. Assuming you put in the work, you will not struggle and will come out of the class with thorough knowledge on the subject. Take advantage of review sessions and O.H. If you want an easy pass and to get by doing the minimum amount of work, do not take this professor.

I took her MedChem elective class and thought it was very easy for being a 400 level class. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for easy upper divisions. She is a great professor and really respects her students intellect you just got to do well on her test which is doable if you study from her notes/practice exams

Dr Whalen is very nice and she is an amazing professor. The way she teaches the subject is so clear and easy to follow. You do need to put in a lot of time outside of class studying, which I did not. The only bad thing is that the grade is solely based on exams, so it is difficult to get a good grade unless you do amazing on the exams.

I had Dr. Whalen before for O chem, and her Medicinal Chemistry class was just as good. She obviously puts lots of effort into her lectures and creating worksheets. This course was also a neat exploration into some applications of chem. Take advantage of office hours and practice problems outside of class! Overall, a very kind and caring professor!

Dr. Whalen is someone that people either like or dislike. I liked her lectures and the way she organizes her Canvas site because resources are accessible for you to study. However, her grading system is very strict. It's all based on your exam grades and group work so the amount of work you put into this class is the grade you will get.

Only grades test but prepared you well. She is a great teacher.

She is very hardworking and genuinely wants students to get the help and resources they need for this course. She encourages to go to different study sessions, does organize it herself before exams. She is very hard working professor and I admire her a lot.

If you took Organic Chemistry I, then you know how she rolls and it's the exact same. The class is well structured and the best piece of advice I can give you to do well in her class is to do all the practice exams and worksheets she posts on Canvas. Your grade is based on your exams only so keep that in mind. Overall, I'm glad to have her for chem

Organic Chemistry is a hard class and Dr. Whalen knows it's a prerequisite for professional programs. She holds you to a high standard but it prepares you really well for both the exams and the next step. She's by far the best OChem professor at UNM -- take her but be ready to work hard.

Dr. Whalen is an amazing instructor! Her lectures are clear and engaging, making organic chemistry easier to understand. Her class is tough, with 78% of your grade from exams and 22% from quizzes. She has high expectations but prepares you for the MCAT, med school, and beyond. Highly recommend if you're serious about learning ochem

Dr, Whalen is awesome. She can be intimidating at first but once you get to know her she is so helpful and funny. 78% of your grade is based on 4 exams (+ optional final will replace lowest exam) 22% group work and quizzes. She brakes orgo down to its nuts and bolts. Exams are hard but she prepares you really well. ATTEND REVIEW SESSIONS!

Orgo is a difficult course no matter where/who you take it with. What I like about Dr. Whalen is her transparency and encouragement towards students to work hard, especially for people going into PhD or medical programs. She doesn't give out A's like candy, but offers plenty of resources to be successful in her class if you choose to utilize them.

Dr. Whalen is the greatest professor at UNM and the best professor for learning organic chemistry. Her guidelines are clear, exams are fair, and she provides a solid and thorough chemistry foundation. Her lectures are incredibly informative and engaging. She shows a great deal of compassion for all her students. This is your sign to take her class!

Great ochem professor, very good lectures and fair exams, she also has some good ochem jokes. Just remember to attend lecture, study, and go to the review sessions and you'll be good

Dr. Whalen is a LEGEND and everyone should take her class. She knows so much about organic chemistry and will absolutely imbue you with knowledge. Lectures are fun and well-paced. She also has an inclination towards mashed potatoes, and finds interesting ways to relate that culinary delicacy to the study of natural phenomena of carbon chemistry.

Dr. Whalen is a good professor overall. Exam prep is extremely helpful. She seemed annoyed when I asked for help and I didn't want to ask anymore by the end. Relied on TA who was great. She had some questions on every exam that we did NOT talk about ever and it was so annoying!! A lot of memorization but manageable if you start early.

Dr. Whalen said that we'd dig into the meat and potatoes of O Chem this semester, and let me tell you, she has been true to her word. Man, I love this class more than mashed potatoes, and BOY, do I LOVE mashed potatoes! Can't wait for more of those 9-step mechanisms--pass the gravy!

A rebuttal to the review below: Professor Whalen has excellent pass rates (60-75%, with a quarter of students receiving As), and student success is contingent on student effort. Don't be a couch *potato*--show up, take notes, do your work, attend office hours, and be proactive in your studies. I *yam* in love with this class! Take Professor Whalen!

I came into OChem like a small fry, totally unsure of myself and wondering if I'd succeed. Now I'm finishing up the semester like a total spud. This class is very a-peeling. Dr. Whalen really gives you a fresh starch in chemistry--her perspective on carbon chemistry is unique and inspirational. Take her class; I'm rooting for you!

I love this class! I know so much about orgo and I never thought I'd enjoy it as much as I do. Dr. Whalen is so cool and has many quirks, like how she refuses to use any web browser other than Firefox and she is physically incapable of integrating an NMR spectrum without a mouse.

For anyone reading ratings on here, please remember that organic chemistry is notoriously difficult and requires intense studying and preparation on the part of the student. This class will be hard, you already know this. It is all too easy to blame a professor for academic shortcomings. Dr. Whalen puts in her part of the work. You need to as well.

Dr. Whalen's impact on my education cannot be understated. Her class influenced my career choices and set me on the path I am on today. She helped me in various facets of my academic life, from deciding what I wanted to pursue to providing me with guidance along the way, more than any other professor at UNM. She made me fall in love with chemistry.

Whalen is strict and holds you to a high standard, but she does cares about student success. Her lectures are super clear — I never needed the textbook. Group work and quizzes are easy if you show up, and there are plenty of practice resources and help available. Go to review sessions and do the practice tests. Good luck soldier.

Whalen is like a Grignard reagent reacting with a carboxylic acid derivative (excluding nitriles): She won't take the day off and go get coffee. She cares about students and will see that you make it through the class. As a student, you must also embody the grignard if you wish to do well and graduate the class as an o chem master.